I have been in contact with my local poultry-friendly veterinarian clinic and they have searched for such---only came up with an EXPENSIVE prepared food. I know that folks were feeding chickens a sufficiently decent diet to build show-quality birds for generations---where can I find some basic "recipes"??!!?! I am specifically interested in bantams (have three breeds currently, more as space allows!); I am trying to find out if their dietary needs differ from standards, tho I doubt it....

-- E. Richardson (duci43@hotmail.com), July 10, 1999

Answers

I have the book, but I cannot put my hands on it right now. Gene Logsdon, in his book "Homesteading: How to Find New Independence on the Land" talks about this issue. I've already checked with Amazon.com and the book is out of print. I'd suggest you check your library with a phone call. If they do not have it, ask if they can find it through Inter-Library Loan. This book was published in the '70's, but I've been around forever so have read it (multiple times). Also might see if Countryside bookstore can chase it down. And then there are always used book stores. A lot of my treasures came from there. Good luck locating it.

-- Nick (nikoda@pdqnet.com), July 21, 1999.

I Have a copy of Logston's "Homesteading..."The formula he uses is to grind together, using a hammermill, 65%corn, 20% wheat, 10% oats and 5% soybeans-"and you'll have a pretty adequate feed if your chickens run loose and you provide them with oyster shells (which you should anyway)" He also says (and this has been my experience) that "Chickens will eat almost any table scrap except citrus rinds" I have a chicken book that says to make sure any potato peelings are cooked not raw. We give our chickens plenty of garden greens or weeds. though I still give them some commercial feed, the kitchen scraps and garden greens cut down on the feed bill considerably. Hope this helps.

-- Kelly Saderholm (markelly@scrtc.com), July 24, 1999.

I feed commercial layer mash - the chicken even prefer one local evevator's effort over another's - I try to suppliment the feed as much as I can, in winter I make it a point to give then ear corn to improve their heat generating potential and to give them something to do while they aren't willing to go outside. The major supplement that they get, though, is comfrey. They love it. It is the only vegetable source of B vitamins (I have heard) and it is actually quite high in protein. I would be leery of not feeding a balanced ration as a part of the diet if I were at all concerned about producing eggs and meat efficiently (and therefore cheaply).

-- kirby johnson (kirby@selco.lib.mn.us), December 03, 1999.

We have mostly heavy breeds, but a few banties just because they're "neat". Everybody gets the same feed. We free range, and during the summer that really cuts down on the commercial feed. But unless you are wishing to ensure 100% "organic" feed, as if for a niche egg market, I don't believe you can make feed any cheaper than what you can buy. All our "leftovers" go to the chickens, or at least when the piggies have begun to take up residence in the freezer. They'll eat almost anything, and especially chicken carcasses and lobster remains (We're in Maine). Anything you supplement the commercial feed with will cut the feed bill. Have fun!

-- Brad Traver (homefixer@mix-net.net), December 24, 1999.

My feed store makes up mash (no chemicals added) 1000lbs for 7-8 dollars. They also free range all year long and get lots of scraps produce and bread

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), January 05, 2000.

Patty where do you live and what's the name of the feedmill that sells a 1000lbs. of mash for 7-8 dollars. Cause my local Equity sells their own mash for $6.40 a 100lbs.

-- Russ Horner (rdh@bright.net), February 26, 2000.

I'm with Russ, where can I get some of that half-ton for eight bucks mash?

-- Rachel (rldk@hotmail.com), February 26, 2000.

I'm so sorry you must have all gotten so excited , I would have . My finger got stuck I meant to say 100 lbs.Now I think I'm getting ripped off!

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), February 27, 2000.